Distressed patient helped by pharmacy assistant

A pharmacy assistant has been thanked for demonstrating extraordinary compassion to a patient recently. Janine Garside spent time reassuring a distressed lady who had run out of medication and even offered to hand-deliver her next prescription herself if necessary.

Vicky Simcock, Pharmacy Team Leader, said: “The pharmacy team received a call from a lady who had been discharged with a seven-day blister pack and had now run out of medicine. Neither she nor her carers were sure whether her GP or chemist were aware of the supply need as both were closed for the weekend. Janine spent quite some time reassuring the patient, speaking to her carer and developing a solution. In the end the discharging ward reprinted the prescription, which Janine collected in person, and a further seven-day blister pack was dispensed. As the lady had no relatives and was housebound Janine offered to deliver the prescription herself, but transport was eventually arranged. Jeanine spoke to the lady several times and showed real compassion and empathy, putting the patient at the forefront of the situation. The reassurance she was able to give made a massive difference and Janine should be very proud.”

Lisa Thomson, Director of Communications and Charity, presented Janine with her award recently

Janine has been given the Employee of the Month award in recognition of her compassion.

Janine said: “I think it’s really important that patients feel safe, reassured and cared for, even after they’ve left our care. You can’t leave someone alone in that sort of situation. I feel I was just doing my job, but it’s lovely to be recognised.”